High-altitude pulmonary edema is a life-threatening form of pulmonary edema. In this condition, fluid accumulates in the lungs. It occurs in mountaineers at altitudes typically above 2,500 meters (8,200 ft). This disease remains the major cause of death related to high-altitude exposure. The mortality rate is very high without adequate emergency treatment. Signs and symptoms include difficulty breathing at rest, cough, weakness and chest tightness, crackles or wheezing sound in lung, skin cyanosis, rapid shallow breathing and rapid heart beat. The standard and most important treatment is to bring the patients to lower altitude as quickly as possible. Oxygen should be given to patients if it is available. Dexamethasone, nifedipine, and phosphodiesterase inhibitors such as sildenafil and tadalafil are shown to be effective.
How is High altitude pulmonary edema treated in practice?